Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Blood Bank Donors in SVNGMC Yavatamal

Background: Infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are global public health problems. The safety of donated blood can be estimated by monitoring the prevalence of viral markers in the donor population. The present study was carried out in Yavatmal region of Maharashtra state, with an objective to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV among blood bank donors. Methods: Over a period of three years (January 2014 to December 2016), a total of 33082 blood units were collected from healthy voluntary and replacement blood donors. The donated units were serologically screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). Results: Out of total blood donors, 93.67% were males and 6.32% were females. HBsAg was positive in 284 (0.85%) of the blood units that were collected, the blood units with antiHCV seropositivity had the lowest prevalence (n=9, 0.027%) and these prevalence being higher in males than females. The prevalence of HBsAg was highest in the year of 2015 (0.93%) compared to 2014 (0.85) and 2016 (0.78). There was decline in the prevalence of HCV infection has been observed, from 0.039% in 2014 to 0.016% in 2016. Conclusion: The study reveals that the decrease in HBV and HCV prevalence among blood bank donors in SVNGMC Yavatmal might be associated with the introduction of immunization programs, and an increased awareness of hepatitis B throughout the country.